Page 17 of Chained

I tensed at the mention of my lost family. “Maybe they had a better vetting process back then,” I offered caustically.

“Zephyrine of Carrottrove will make as worthy a queen as your mother did to your father—if you allow her the opportunity,” Aradia promised, and while I didn’t let her see it, I took a small comfort in that reassurance.

The enchantress had rarely—if ever—steered me wrong. But after spending the small amount of time I had with Zephyrine, I was finding it hard to be open-minded about her. Simultaneously, the idea of spending more time with the dark-haired, doe-eyed vixenwasvery appealing in its own way.

I drew in a steadying breath. “Fine,” I grumbled, turning away to recompose myself. “I’ll give her another opportunity. But I really suggest that someone sit down with her and explain what she’s doing here, too.”

“I’ll make the arrangements,” Aradia agreed brightly, like the whole issue had been put to rest with my conceding. “Maybe you’re right. She may not have been fully educated about what is expected of her. Perhaps all she needs is a proper talk.”

Aradia paused where she stood, and I glanced over my shoulder at her. “What is it now?”

She offered me a pleasant smile. “You may want to approach her with more kindness, Cade. She is new to the city, after all, and likely on the defensive for it. It can’t be easy for her to have uprooted her entire life, either.”

I wanted to jeer at the idea, but instantly, a stab of guilt sliced through me as I realized Aradia was right. Zephyrine had left her family behind to come to Ironhelm City and marry a stranger with only two staff members to show for it. I’d been so wrapped up in my own anger about the situation, I hadn’t paused to think about her indignation. No wonder she’d come in swinging as she had.

I swallowed my protest.

“That doesn’t excuse the fact that she’s not willing to bow to her king,” I muttered, refusing to accept Zephyrine’s full attitude.

“If you say so, Cade.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’ll give her another opportunity to prove that she’s worthy of the position,” I agreed begrudgingly.

“You always were a fair and just leader. That’s why Ironhelm respects you.”

“Stop buttering me up, Aradia,” I growled, falling ungracefully onto my bed.

I opened my mouth to have her send Stralia in but changed my mind at the last second. Stralia suddenly didn’t appeal to me.

“Is there anything else, Alpha?” Aradia asked expectantly, using my formal title.

“No,” I told her. “That’s all for now.”

With a spin on her heel, she swirled away, creating a small tornado and disappearing into a puff of smoke, leaving me alone in my suite, staring up at the intricately decorated ceiling overhead.

I’d had years to contemplate this conundrum, but now that it was directly in front of me, it had never really been as serious to me.

Zephyrine really was delicious. She would make beautiful children.

I couldn’t deny that the princes she bore would be striking. The idea of consummating our marriage made me harder than my crown jewels. My hand slid over the front of my pants to readjust my wanting cock at the thought of Zephyrine in the bed beside me.

But first, the wayward noblefae would need to be trained into submission.

“What are you doing?”

My eyes darted toward the doorway, and I scowled, causally pulling my palm away from my crotch.

“Stralia, what did I tell you about this?” I growled, sitting up on the bed. “You can’t just pop in anymore.”

She rushed toward me, her face pleading. “You can’t honestly expect me to just stay away, Cade!” she breathed. “I waited until Aradia left, but look at me and tell me now that we’re alone that you want me to keep my distance. I don’t believe it.”

I stared into her imploring face, a smidgen of pity overcoming me, but that was all I felt in that moment toward her.

“You’re being careless,” I grumbled, unhinging her hands from mine. “It’s not about want, Stralia. It’s about what’s best for the kingdom.”

Her mouth slacked, and she gaped at me. “We’re best together! You don’t believe that anymore?”

“Stralia…” I told her warningly. “You always knew I was promised to someone else. I don’t need this right now.”

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